Riders take to the saddle for another Melton Pork Pie Pedal

Heading off into the countryside on the way to Rutland Water
PHOTO: Tim Williams — Heading off into the countryside on the way to Rutland Water PHOTO: Tim Williams

Around 100 people took to the saddle for the seventh annual Pork Pie Pedal charity bike ride.

The 50, 60 and 70-mile challenge saw them set off from Saxby Road in Melton to Rutland Water, cycling around the reservoir and then heading back to Melton.

Olivia Stapleton, one of the organisers, said: “We had a fantastic day and had really good feedback from those who took part.

“The weather was spectacular which was a surprise as I’d feared the worst.

“The first cyclist arrived back in Melton at about 1pm with the rest coming home in dribs and drabs until about 4.30pm.”

This year’s event was dedicated to the memory of nineteen-year-old Jolanta Gowing, who died suddenly of a rare form of leukaemia.

Cyclists have helped raise about £10,500 in Jolanta’s memory for the Teenage Cancer Trust and Target Ovarian Cancer, with more money still coming in.

Olivia added: “Two representatives from the charities attended and spoke to people about the importance of the causes and we had three sports massagists, including therapist Sasha Archer and Alex Rainforth of Central Sport Massage, who were able to treat cyclists aches and pains.”

There is still time for sponsorship to be collected. To donate visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=PorkPiePedal

Next year’s Pork Pie Pedal is scheduled for the first Saturday in July.